Miyetti Allah Deserves Hatred, Disdain – Fani-Kayode

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Femi Fani-Kayode, has said the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) don’t deserve the respect of Nigerians.

The former Minister of Aviation accused the group of sponsoring herdsmen to kill Nigerians.

Fani-Kayode was reacting to a statement credited to the presidency calling on Ohanaeze, Afenifere and others to respect MACBAN.

Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, in a statement on Friday, said: ”We are pleased that Afenifere and Ohaneze Ndigbo found our insights worthy of attention even when they disagreed with our view that they, as socio-cultural associations, represent same interests as Miyetti Allah, an association of Fulani herders.

”Miyetti Allah, like any other trade, community, ethnic organization or interest group is a legal stakeholder in our nation and should be respected.

”We maintain that the government needs to engage all stakeholders and seek partnership in building our country.

”The activities of Miyetti Allah do not benefit selected ethnicities or Muslims only, but everyone.

”Long before petroleum became the core of Nigerian economy, agriculture was the main source of Nigerian wealth. Cattle, hides and skin were a major part of Nigerian export.

”It is right to state that there are criminals among every group in Nigeria and in every country. There are criminals among the northern population as there are in the southern part of the country.

”It is not good to generalise blames. The government will engage each stakeholder and create a dialogue between, and among, different groups.”

Reacting in a post on his Twitter page on Saturday, Fani-Kayode wrote: “Miyetti Allah should be respected”- Presidency

“Miyetti Allah and their Janjaweed ISWA Fulani herdsmen have shed more innocent blood than any other terrorist org. in the last 4 years including Boko Haram.

“They are worthy of our hatred, contempt and disdain and not our respect.”